15 Simple Travel Hacks EVERYONE Should Know. Do You Know Them Already?

The idea of traveling gives so much relief and excitement. But you also need to be prepared to confront all the challenges that come your way. 

A user asked the forum, What’s your travel hack that you think everyone should know? Here are the common responses. 

INVEST IN USB POWER BANK 

“A small pocket USB power bank has been the best investment ever when traveling.

Also, don’t delete your phone/throw away your boarding passes before entering your destination. I’ve seen border security ask for them.”

 

TRAVEL LIGHT 

“I travel internationally 1-3 times a month, and the two best tips I have are:

1. Travel light – don’t bring “just in case” items. Plan to buy them at your destination if you really need them, which you don’t.
2. Having a working phone is a game changer and makes basically every aspect of travel easier.

Bonus tip: 2 inflatable pillows (one for the neck, one for the low back), an eye mask, and ear plugs make a HUGE difference in sleeping on a plane.”

 

HIRE GOOD PEOPLE 

“This has worked for me in less developed nations – if you make a connection with someone providing a service (driver, daily tour guide, etc.), hire them. If I feel that a driver is doing a good job and doesn’t try to rip me off, I offer to hire them for the week. That way, it is one less thing to worry about.

For example, I had a great rickshaw driver in India that didn’t try to hustle me or screw me over. I enjoyed his company and offered to hire him for the whole week. I said that I wanted to be picked up at 8 am every morning and set a good price for his services that I would pay at the end of the week.

It was awesome, no hassle, no haggling over the price after every taxi ride, and no hustle. He recommended places to eat for us, introduced us to his family, and gave us a genuine experience. He also hooked us up with his cousin in the next city we visited, who we hired as well. I have done this in a bunch of countries (Vietnam, Egypt, Jordan, Nepal, etc.), and it really makes the trip easier.”

 

BUY CHEAP PREPAID RECHARGEABLE SIM 

“Instead of buying expensive international roaming and data from your cell provider, just buy a cheap prepaid rechargeable SIM in whatever country you need service.

Having both phone and data makes for a fun traveling experience since you can keep in touch with your people and also post photos, use the GPS, and book Uber/Lyft rides, which are more convenient and usually cheaper than taxis.”

 

EAT FRUITS AND VEGETABLES 

“Make sure you eat fruits and vegetables. Fibre will keep you healthy. And it’s a good way to try new foods when you travel.”

 

CARRY A BOTTLE OF WATER 

“Always carry a bottle of water while sightseeing on a hot day, especially ruins or a place that’s located in a bigger, closed area. There might be no shop available once you cross the gate, and the sun has no mercy. It also applies to long bus trips and hikes.”

 

HAVE A BAND AIDS 

 “Always have plasters (band-aids) on hand. You’ll get blisters, and they will be very, very annoying till you cover them.”

 

DON’T DRINK 

“Don’t get drunk in Tijuana.”

 

GET CONNECTED WITH SOMEONE YOU KNOW 

“If you’re going to a country where someone you know (in or on the internet) lives, hit them up for information on what to see and what/where to avoid. Even if they personally don’t know the area you’re going to be in, chances are they know someone who does and can help you out.

This one has never steered me wrong in all my travels.”

 

BE KIND AND FRIENDLY 

“Be nice to every single person. Talk. Learn about them and their culture. Most people are welcoming and happy to have you in their country. When you show interest, they are very happy to inform you about things you won’t learn in books.

I am extremely inquisitive, so I like to sit in the taxi’s front seat and talk to the driver the whole way. There are two benefits to this behavior. Firstly you will expand your knowledge and find out nice spots and hacks about the place that you’re in.

Secondly, I cannot tell you how many times I have gotten awesome deals just because I was friendly. In the Netherlands, I took a taxi from Rotterdam to Schipol Airport in Amsterdam. It was a big fare, and the driver literally took 70% off the fare. I have had very similar experiences all over the world. The most recent one was in Dubai, where the front desk upgraded my room to a business suite along with access to a VIP lounge.

Just talk and be nice. It doesn’t cost anything, and the payoff is great.”

 

CARRY A PEN 

“Always bring a pen and make sure it’s working. You may need to fill out customs or immigration papers or even just do crosswords to spend the time. Bringing a pen takes up very little space but can be very helpful at the right time!”

 

GET A MICROFIBER TOWEL 

“Ditch the normal towels and get a microfiber towel. They are lighter and considerably smaller. They also dry super fast. Saved lots of space and weight.”

 

CARRY FOOD POISONING MEDICINE 

“Buy your food poisoning medicine at home and carry it with you. It’s not fun being in the middle of nowhere in a third-world country, feeling like death and not having the right medicine. Trust me on this one.

If you’re going to be unpacking and packing every day (backpackers), packing cubes are a godsend. I also like to carry some paracord. Learn some knots (bowline, 8, and taut-line hitch ought to do) and hang your clothes anywhere.

And, of course, ExOfficio underwear.”

 

CARRY PACKING CUBES

“Packing Cubes. They make life so much easier. It’s not such a hassle to fish anything out if you’ve systematically packed.”

 

DON’T CARRY ANY VALUABLES 

“Don’t bring anything valuable with you.

That means jewelry, expensive electronics, but also things that have sentimental value. When you pack, you should be able to look at every item you put in your bag and think, “I’m okay with losing this”.”

 

 

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The article was originally published on Mrs Daaku Studio.